Religious retailers

May 23, 2013 12:00 AM

Photo: Eric Kayne/For the Chronicle

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Hobby Lobby

This closed-on-Sundays craft store partners with evangelical ministries and prints Christian messages in local newspaper ads during holidays. Owners Steve and Barbara Green are asking a federal appeals court for an exemption to the federal health care law that requires it to offer employees health coverage.

This closed-on-Sundays craft store partners with evangelical ministries and prints Christian messages in local newspaper ads during holidays. Owners Steve and Barbara Green are asking a federal ... more

David Neeleman, JetBlue founder, relied on his Mormon background. "People do a better job if they respect the leader of the company. I learned that on my mission--the value of people and how to truly appreciate them,” he said. less

JetBlue

David Neeleman, JetBlue founder, relied on his Mormon background. "People do a better job if they respect the leader of the company. I learned that on my mission--the value of people and how to truly ... more

Jeff Swartz, the company’s Orthodox Jewish CEO, practices corporate responsibility in the name of his faith. “I can't show you the scripture that relates to the rights of a worker, but I can show you text that insists upon treating others with dignity,” he said in a Q&A with Fast Company. less

Timberland

Jeff Swartz, the company’s Orthodox Jewish CEO, practices corporate responsibility in the name of his faith. “I can't show you the scripture that relates to the rights of a worker, but I can ... more

Howard E. Butt was involved with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Christianity Today, the Baylor Youth Revival and his own H.E. Butt Foundation, which runs a campsite in Texas Hill Country, according to Foundations for Laity Renewal. less

H.E.B.

Howard E. Butt was involved with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Christianity Today, the Baylor Youth Revival and his own H.E. Butt Foundation, which runs a campsite in Texas Hill Country, ... more

Truett Cathy, the founder and CEO of Chick-Fil-A, says it’s “a God-calling ministry” to serve people delicious chicken, and he continues to teach Bible study on Sundays… when all Chick-Fil-As are closed.

The corporation has a welcoming policy for gay employees and customers, though one franchise recently drew criticism for donating food to a rally against gay marriage. less

Chick-Fil-A

Truett Cathy, the founder and CEO of Chick-Fil-A, says it’s “a God-calling ministry” to serve people delicious chicken, and he continues to teach Bible study on Sundays… when all ... more

Pepsi CEO Indra Nooyi pledged to make the company healthier and more environmentally friendly. She remains ambitiously motivated by her Hindu faith and isn’t afraid to show it, wearing saris to board meetings and displaying Ganesh in her office. less

Pepsi

Pepsi CEO Indra Nooyi pledged to make the company healthier and more environmentally friendly. She remains ambitiously motivated by her Hindu faith and isn’t afraid to show it, wearing saris to board ... more

Raised Methodist, John Tyson brings a bunch of chaplains into the chicken-makin’ business to reach out to employees of all faiths at his plants and corporate offices, he told an Arkansas TV station. less

Tyson Foods

Raised Methodist, John Tyson brings a bunch of chaplains into the chicken-makin’ business to reach out to employees of all faiths at his plants and corporate offices, he told an Arkansas TV ... more

Like its name suggests, this car repair franchise – headquartered in Houston – follows Christian principles to “glorify God by providing ethical and excellent
automotive repair service for our customers." less

Christian Brothers Automotive

Like its name suggests, this car repair franchise – headquartered in Houston – follows Christian principles to “glorify God by providing ethical and excellent automotive ... more

Photo: James Nielsen, Houston Chronicle

Christian Brothers Automotive
Like its name suggests, this car... Photo-4675980.63128 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Whole Foods Market

John Mackey, a Houston native and the CEO of Austin-based Whole Foods, takes food seriously, carrying natural products by companies that treat animals and the environment with care. These sensibilities, along with his active yoga and meditation practice, come from his Buddhist faith, CNN Belief Blog points out. less

Whole Foods Market

John Mackey, a Houston native and the CEO of Austin-based Whole Foods, takes food seriously, carrying natural products by companies that treat animals and the environment with care. These ... more

Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell, pastor of Windsor Village United Methodist Church in Houston, already built the Power Center, which includes his church, retail space and a community center. He has also begun a multimillion-dollar real estate project, inspired by the biblical call to till and tend the earth. less

Pyramid Community Development Corp.

Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell, pastor of Windsor Village United Methodist Church in Houston, already built the Power Center, which includes his church, retail space and a community ... more

This all-natural company was founded by Kate and Tom Chappell, who went to Harvard Divinity School before starting Tom’s, according to CNN Belief Blog. The book The Soul of a Leader features the story of how they decided to use the business as a Christian ministry. less

Tom’s of Maine
This all-natural company was founded by Kate... Photo-4675988.63128 - Beaumont Enterprise

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George Foreman Cooking

A born-again Christian and ordained minister here in Houston, Foreman focuses his business on integrity, health and family. He refuses to invest in products or restaurants that promote the consumption of alcohol. less

George Foreman Cooking

A born-again Christian and ordained minister here in Houston, Foreman focuses his business on integrity, health and family. He refuses to invest in products or restaurants that promote ... more

Curves
This fitness club was founded in Waco by a Christian... Photo-4675990.63128 - Beaumont Enterprise

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Big Idea Inc.

The animation house is responsible for Veggie Tales, singalong children’s programming with Christian lessons and stories. The founders—Phil Vischer and Mike Nawrocki—met at Bible college, where they did puppet ministry together. less

Big Idea Inc.

The animation house is responsible for Veggie Tales, singalong children’s programming with Christian lessons and stories. The founders—Phil Vischer and Mike Nawrocki—met at Bible college, ... more